Sentencing highlights need to take care with chemicals

February 8, 2019

A company director has been sentenced to 10 months in prison for the online sale of products containing prohibited substances highlighting the need for organisations to take their obligations around chemicals seriously.

Warwick Crown Court heard that a complaint was raised in August 2014 that Abel (UK) Ltd was selling a plant protection product containing Sodium Chlorate, a prohibited substance.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also found the company was selling paint stripper containing dichloromethane (DCM), which is restricted under Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals (REACH).

“Companies should be aware that HSE will take robust action against those who unnecessarily put the lives of workers and the public at risk, and against those who endanger the environment, through the inappropriate supply and use of chemicals.” (HSE inspector Sarah Dutton)

The company also failed to check at the point of sale the paint stripper containing DCM was either being sold for use in industrial installations or, after October 2016, to appropriately certificated professionals, which is a condition of sale.

HSE worked with online platforms to have the advertisements for these products taken down and served enforcement notices to prohibit further supply. However, the enforcement notices were ignored by Abel (UK) ltd.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Sarah Dutton said: “Chemicals are carefully regulated to protect human health and the environment. Sodium Chlorate is not approved for use in weed killers, as a safe level of use was not established for operators. Dichloromethane (DCM) has been restricted in paint strippers due to concerns for human health during its use – it has caused fatalities when not used properly.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will take robust action against those who unnecessarily put the lives of workers and the public at risk, and against those who endanger the environment, through the inappropriate supply and use of chemicals.”

Chemstore UK Managing Director Mike Brodie comments: “While this case focussed on the supply of chemicals it is a reminder to all companies who handle and use chemicals to take their obligations seriously. If in doubt contact an expert such as Chemstore who can help you review your procedures around the handling and storage of chemicals.